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United States Patent |
5,280,778
|
Kotsiopoulos
|
January 25, 1994
|
Semi-automatic firing compressed gas gun
Abstract
A compressed gas powered gun is disclosed having a semi-automatic firing
mechanism for enabling successive firing sequences. The firing mechanism
includes a sear having a latch arm, with a cam at one end and an
interlocking element at the other end. The cam is positioned to close a
firing chamber as the latch arm is rotated. The interlocking element is
positioned to concomitantly release an actuating bolt as the latch arm is
rotated. A recoil spring repositions the actuating bolt for engagement
with the interlocking element upon discharge of the firing chamber.
Inventors:
|
Kotsiopoulos; Thomas G. (449 Sunset Ridge Rd., Northfield, IL 60093)
|
Appl. No.:
|
847831 |
Filed:
|
March 9, 1992 |
Current U.S. Class: |
124/73; 124/31; 124/71 |
Intern'l Class: |
F41B 011/00 |
Field of Search: |
124/73-76,71,70,37,31
|
References Cited
U.S. Patent Documents
2699767 | Jan., 1955 | Mangolini.
| |
2817328 | Dec., 1957 | Gale.
| |
3527194 | Sep., 1970 | Vadas | 124/37.
|
3542008 | Nov., 1970 | Vadas | 124/76.
|
3717947 | Feb., 1973 | Nomura.
| |
3765396 | Oct., 1973 | Kienholz et al.
| |
3788298 | Jan., 1974 | Hale | 124/76.
|
3802408 | Apr., 1974 | Joyce.
| |
3921614 | Nov., 1975 | Fogelgren.
| |
4116193 | Sep., 1978 | Chiba.
| |
4531503 | Jul., 1985 | Shepherd.
| |
4616622 | Oct., 1986 | Milliman.
| |
4774929 | Oct., 1988 | Milliman | 124/76.
|
4819609 | Apr., 1989 | Tippmann.
| |
4936282 | Jun., 1990 | Dobbins et al.
| |
Primary Examiner: Nicholson; Eric K.
Assistant Examiner: Knight; Anthony
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Leydig, Voit & Mayer, Ltd.
Parent Case Text
This is a continuation of copending applications Ser. No. 07/541,707 filed
on Jun. 21, 1990 now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A compressed gas powered gun for firing a projectile disposed in an
elongated barrel upon the depression of a trigger comprising:
a compressed gas source disposed to supply compressed gas;
a firing chamber coupled with said compressed gas source receiving at least
a portion of compressed gas from said source, said firing chamber having
at least a portion defined by an elongated receptacle;
a flow valve disposed between said compressed gas source and said firing
chamber said flow valve having an open position to permit compressed gas
to flow therethrough and a closed position to isolate said firing chamber
from said compressed gas source to maintain a predetermined pressure in
said firing chamber when said trigger is depressed;
an actuating bolt assembly movable between a fire position and a
ready-to-fire position, said actuating bolt assembly having a sleeve with
a dog portion, a piston received within at least a portion of said sleeve,
and a spring disposed to return said actuating bolt assembly to the
ready-to-fire position, said sleeve having at least a portion surrounding
said elongated receptacle in both the fire position and the ready-to-fire
position to direct compressed gas therethrough in the fire position, said
piston having a portion received within said elongated receptacle for
sealing said firing chamber when in the ready-to-fire position and exited
from said elongated receptacle for permitting discharge of compressed gas
from the firing chamber through said elongated receptacle when in the fire
position; and
a sear having a pivoting latch arm with an interlocking member disposed on
one end of said latch arm for engaging said dog portion in the
ready-to-fire position, a cam section disposed on the other end of said
latch arm engaged with said flow valve, and an actuating lever, disposed
opposite both said interlocking member and said cam section and coupled
with said trigger, for rotating said latch arm to extend said cam section
to close said flow valve to isolate said firing chamber from said
compressed gas source and to retract said interlocking member to disengage
said interlocking member from said dog portion when said trigger is
depressed to return said sear to the ready-to-fire position engaging said
dog portion of said actuating bolt assembly without manual movement of
said actuating bolt assembly.
2. The compressed gas powered gun of claim 1 further comprising projectile
feeding means associated with said barrel for depositing projectiles into
said barrel, the configuration and relative positioning of said actuating
bolt assembly and said projectile feeding means being such that said
actuating bolt assembly precludes receipt of said projectiles from said
feeding means in the fire position and permits receipt of said projectiles
in the ready-to-fire position.
3. The compressed gas powered gun of claim 2 further comprising projectile
feed stop means disposed in said barrel relative to said projectile
feeding means, said projectile feed stop means adapted to prevent
longitudinal movement of a projectile received in said barrel until said
actuating bolt assembly moves to the fire position.
4. A semiautomatic firing system having a fire position for discharging a
projectile of the fragile gelatinous type upon the depression of a
trigger, and thereafter returning to a ready-to-fire position upon the
release of the trigger for use in a compressed gas powered gun including a
barrel for loading the projectile, a firing chamber including an exhaust
tube for supplying compressed gas to impart a force on the projectile, and
a compressed gas supply disposed to supply said firing chamber with
compressed gas, said firing system comprising:
an actuating bolt assembly movable between a fire position and
ready-to-fire position, said actuating bolt assembly having a sleeve with
at least a portion surrounding said exhaust tube in both the fire and
ready-to-fire positions, a dog portion attached to said sleeve, and a
piston received within said exhaust tube to inhibit discharge of
compressed gas from said exhaust tube in the ready-to-fire position and at
least partially exited from said exhaust tube in the fire position to
permit discharge of compressed gas longitudinally through said exhaust
tube;
a recoil spring disposed to return said actuating bolt assembly to the
ready-to-fire position upon the discharge of said firing chamber;
a flow valve disposed between said gas supply and said firing chamber
permitting gas to flow to said firing chamber in the ready-to-fire
position, said flow valve isolating said firing chamber rom said gas
supply to maintain a predetermined pressure in said firing chamber in the
fire position;
pressure regulating means coupled with said compressed gas source and said
firing chamber for receiving compressed gas from said source and for
supplying a preselected amount of compressed gas to said firing chamber
when said flow valve is in said ready-to-fire position;
a sear having a pivoting latch arm with an interlocking member disposed on
one end of said latch arm and adapted to engage said dog portion in the
ready-to-fire position, a cam section disposed on the other end of said
latch arm engaged with said flow valve, and an actuating lever disposed
opposite both said interlocking member and said cam section and coupled
with said trigger;
said actuating lever rotating said latch arm to extend said cam section to
close said flow valve and to retract said interlocking member to disengage
said interlocking member from said dog portion, thereby releasing said
actuating bolt assembly from the ready-to-fire position to the fire
position when said trigger is depressed; and
said flow valve being operable to automatically return said firing system
to the ready-to-fire position by moving said cam section to counterrotate
said latch arm for engaging said interlocking member with said dog
portion, thereby restraining said actuating bolt assembly in the
ready-to-fire position when said firing chamber has discharged and when
said trigger is released.
5. A semiautomatic compressed gas powered gun for discharging a projectile
disposed in an elongated barrel upon the depression of a trigger and
thereafter self-loading for discharging a next succeeding projectile
comprising:
a compressed gas source;
a firing chamber in fluid communication with said compressed gas source for
receiving at least a portion of compressed gas supplied from said source
and for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile through said
barrel;
a flow valve disposed between said compressed gas source and said firing
chamber having an open position for permitting compressed gas to flow
therethrough and a closed position for isolating said firing chamber from
said source to maintain a predetermined pressure in said firing chamber
when said trigger is depressed;
an actuating bolt member operable to seal said firing chamber in a
ready-to-fire position and to direct compressed gas discharged from said
firing chamber toward the projectile in a fire position, said bolt member
including a dog portion, and means for returning said actuating bolt
member to the ready-to-fire position after compressed gas in said firing
chamber is discharged;
a sear having a pivoting latch arm with an interlocking member disposed on
one end of said latch arm adapted to engage said dog portion in the
ready-to-fire position to restrain said actuating bolt member, a cam
section disposed on the other end of said latch arm engaged with said flow
valve, and an actuating lever disposed opposite both said interlocking
member and said cam section and coupled with said trigger;
said actuating lever rotating said latch arm to extend said cam section to
close said flow valve and to retract said interlocking member to disengage
said interlocking member from said dog portion thereby releasing said
actuating bolt member when said trigger is depressed; and
said flow valve operable to automatically return said sear to the ready to
fire position by moving said cam section to counterrotate said latch arm
for engaging said interlocking member with said dog portion thereby
restraining said actuating bolt member in the ready-to-fire position when
said firing chamber has disengaged and when said trigger is released.
6. The compressed gas gun of claim 5 wherein said firing chamber includes
discharge tube means, said actuating bolt member further comprising:
a sleeve with at least a portion surrounding said discharge tube means in
both the ready-to-fire position and the fire position, said dog portion
attached to said sleeve; and
a piston integrally associated with said sleeve, said piston received
within said discharge tube means in the ready-to-fire position to prevent
discharge of compressed gas in said firing chamber and exited from said
discharge tube means in the fire position to permit discharge of
compressed gas longitudinally within said sleeve.
7. The compressed gas gun of claim 6 further comprising projectile feeding
means associated with said barrel for depositing projectiles into said
barrel, the configuration and relative positioning of said actuating bolt
sleeve and said projectile feeding means being such that said actuating
bolt sleeve precludes receipt of said projectiles within said barrel in
the fire position and permits receipt of said projectiles in the
ready-to-fire position.
8. The compressed gas gun of claim 7 further comprising projectile feed
stop means disposed in said barrel relative to said projectile feeding
means, said projectile feed stop means adapted to prevent movement of a
projectile received in said barrel until said actuating bolt member moves
to the fire position.
9. A firing mechanism for discharging a projectile in a fire position and
thereafter returning to a ready-to-fire position in a compressed gas
powered gun including a barrel for loading the projectile, a firing
chamber for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile through the
barrel, a compressed gas supply disposed to supply compressed gas to said
firing chamber, and a flow valve disposed between said supply and said
firing chamber for selectively isolating said firing chamber from said
supply, said firing mechanism comprising:
a trigger assembly including an elongated member and a link piece, said
link piece pivotally mounted to said elongated member and cooperating with
said elongated member to move said firing mechanism to the ready-to-fire
position when said trigger is both fully depressed and fully released to
move said firing mechanism to the fire position at a selected point
therebetween;
an actuating bolt member operable to seal said firing chamber in the
ready-to-fire position and to direct compressed gas from said firing
chamber toward the projectile in the fire position, said bolt assembly
including a dog portion, and means for returning said actuating bolt
assembly to the ready-to-fire position upon the discharge of said firing
chamber;
a sear having a pivoting latch arm with an interlocking member disposed on
one end of said latch arm adapted to engage said dog portion in the
ready-to-fire position, a cam section disposed on the other end of said
latch arm operatively associated with said flow valve, and an actuating
lever disposed opposite both said interlocking member and said cam section
and coupled with said link piece;
said actuating lever rotating said latch arm to extend said cam section to
close said flow valve and to retract said interlocking member to disengage
said interlocking member from said dog portion thereby releasing said
actuating bolt assembly when said trigger is moved to said selected point;
and
said flow valve operable to move said cam section to counterrotate said
latch arm for engaging said interlocking member with said dog portion
thereby restraining said actuating bolt assembly in the ready to fire
position when said firing chamber has discharged and when said trigger is
either fully depressed or fully released.
10. A semi-automatic compressed gas powered gun for discharging a
projectile disposed in an elongated barrel upon the depression of a
trigger and thereafter self-loading for discharging a next succeeding
projectile comprising:
a compressed gas source;
a firing chamber in fluid communication with said compressed gas source for
receiving at least a portion of compressed gas supplied from said source
and for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile through said
barrel;
a flow valve disposed between said compressed gas source and said firing
chamber having an open position for permitting compressed gas to flow
therethrough and a closed position for sealing said firing chamber from
said source;
an actuating bolt member operable to seal said firing chamber in a
ready-to-fire position and to direct compressed gas discharged from said
firing chamber toward the projectile in a fire position, said bolt member
including a dog portion, and means for returning said actuating bolt
member to the ready-to-fire position after compressed gas in said firing
chamber is discharged;
a sear having a pivoting latch arm with an interlocking member disposed on
one end of said latch arm adapted to engage said dog portion in the
ready-to-fire position to restrain said actuating bolt member, a cam
section disposed on the other end of said latch arm engaged with said flow
valve, and an actuating lever disposed opposite both said interlocking
member and said cam section and coupled with said trigger;
said actuating lever rotating said latch arm to extend said cam section to
close said flow valve and to retract said interlocking member to disengage
said interlocking member from said dog portion thereby releasing said
actuating bolt member when said trigger is depressed;
said flow valve operable to move said cam section to counterrotate said
latch arm for engaging said interlocking member with said dog portion
thereby restraining said actuating bolt member in the ready-to-fire
position when said firing chamber has discharged and when said trigger is
released; and
a pressure regulating assembly for controlling the pressure of compressed
gas supplied from said source to said firing chamber, said pressure
regulating assembly including a longitudinal valve chamber for receiving
said compressed gas from said source, a valve disposed in said chamber and
operable to move between an open position for passing compressed gas
received from said source and a closed position for restricting compressed
gas received from said source, and valve regulating means in communication
with said valve chamber and said flow valve including sensing means for
permitting said valve to move to said closed position when a predetermined
pressure of compressed gas is sensed and for urging said valve to said
open position when a pressure less than said predetermined pressure is
sensed.
11. The compressed gas gun of claim 10, wherein said valve regulating means
includes a longitudinal bore disposed downstream of said valve means and
said source for passing compressed gas to said flow valve means, said
sensing means comprising:
piston means disposed in said bore and coupled with said valve means, said
piston means being displaced in response to the pressure of compressed gas
received in said bore; and
spring biasing means coupled with said piston means and having a
preselected tension to restrict movement of said piston means to prevent
said valve means from moving to the closed position until said
predetermined pressure is received in said longitudinal bore.
12. A system for supplying a predetermined pressure of compressed gas in a
compressed gas powered gun, the gun including a barrel for loading a
projectile, and a firing mechanism operable in a first mode to actuate
said gun and operable in a second mode to return said gun to a
ready-to-fire position, said system comprising:
a source supplying compressed gas at a first outlet;
a firing chamber for supplying compressed gas to expel the projectile
through the barrel;
a pressure regulating assembly coupled with said first outlet and said
firing chamber for receiving compressed gas from said first outlet and for
providing said predetermined pressure of compressed gas to said firing
chamber at a second outlet; and
a flow valve disposed between said second outlet and said firing chamber
and coupled with said firing mechanism, said flow valve isolating said
second outlet from said firing chamber when said firing mechanism is in
said first mode for maintaining said predetermined pressure in said firing
chamber, said flow valve urging said firing mechanism to said second mode
upon discharge of said firing chamber and providing fluid communication
between said second outlet and said firing chamber when said firing
mechanism is in said second mode.
13. The system of claim 12, wherein said pressure regulating assembly
supplies said predetermined pressure of compressed gas to said firing
chamber for successive firings.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to structures, devices and methods for use in
compressed gas powered guns. In particular, the invention relates to a
compressed gas powered gun providing a semi-automatic firing arrangement
for discharging relatively fragile projectiles such as marking pellets.
The firing mechanism of the invention is relatively simple in design and
construction and provides an efficient manner for discharging one
projectile and then reloading in a ready-to-fire position for discharging
a next succeeding projectile.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Generally, semi-automatic weaponry enables firing of a cartridge each time
the trigger is depressed Such weapons are sometimes referred to as
"self-firing". A manual loading weapon, on the other hand, requires
appropriate manipulation of the weapon before successive cartridges may be
discharged.
A variety of guns using discharged compressed gas for firing relatively
fragile projectiles are known employing manual, semiautomatic, and fully
automatic arrangements. Compressed gas powered guns are typically useful
as tranquilizer guns and pellet marking guns, commonly called paint ball
guns. Paint ball marking guns have attained widespread use in a
recreational sport known as paint ball warfare, an activity which has
captured the imagination of many adults. Typically located in open spaces
with varying types of terrain, opposing sides employ guerilla-type
strategy to seek out and "kill" one another by marking the opposition with
a paint ball. Marking guns are also used to segregate cattle within a herd
and for a variety of other purposes.
Marking guns use compressed gas to fire a gelatinous capsule containing a
marking material. The marking capsules typically enclose a mixture of
water and vegetable coloring so they are not toxic and can be removed from
clothing and other surfaces with simple water washing. The capsule breaks
on impact with the target dispersing the material to mark the target, for
example an opposing player, where hit by the capsule. However, the marking
capsule must have sufficient rigidity to avoid breakage during loading and
firing operations of the gun.
While various types of manual loading paint ball guns, as well as automatic
weapons which fire multiple paint balls upon depression of a trigger are
known, the semi-automatic weaponry presently available to paint ball
sportsmen and other marking gun enthusiasts, while it may perform
satisfactorily under certain circumstances, is overly complex and
inefficient. Known semi-automatic firing arrangements typically operate
using a "blow-back" method wherein a first source of compressed gas
discharges the projectile and a second source of compressed gas operates
to return the firing mechanism of the gun to a ready-to-fire position.
These devices and methods, however, require considerable compressed gas
both to fire and to recoil the firing mechanism of the gun. In addition,
such complex firing arrangements are often difficult to operate and
maintain and suffer frequent breakdowns after extended periods of use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention overcomes the problems of prior compressed air guns
by providing a simplified latching and recoil mechanism for enabling
successive firing sequences. Generally, a compressed gas powered gun
comprises a firing mechanism for discharging projectiles and, upon the
discharge of one projectile, recoils and positions a successive projectile
in a ready-to-fire position to be subsequently ejected therefrom when a
trigger is depressed. In accordance with one embodiment, the compressed
gas gun includes a compressed gas source, a firing chamber with pressure
regulating means and an on-off flow valve in communication with the
compressed gas source and disposed between the firing chamber and the
source, and a firing mechanism for sequentially discharging projectiles in
a barrel.
The main structural features of the firing mechanism include a pivoting
sear member and an actuating bolt assembly with a dog portion and a power
piston in communication with the firing chamber. The sear member comprises
a latch arm, an interlocking member, a cam section, and an actuating lever
element. The interlocking member is attached to the latch arm on one side
of the pivot and is adapted to engage the actuating bolt dog portion to
restrain the actuating bolt in a ready-to-fire or cocked position. The cam
section is located on the other side of the pivot and is operable to
actuate the on-off flow valve. The actuating lever element protrudes
opposite both the interlocking member and the cam section and is
interconnected with the trigger.
Depression of the trigger effects rotation of the latch arm to rotate the
interlocking member and to rotate the cam section. This action disengages
the interlocking member from the dog portion and drives the cam section
toward the flow valve to release the actuating bolt assembly and
concomitantly force the on-off flow valve to the closed position. In this
way, compressed gas collected in the firing chamber drives the actuating
bolt assembly to a fired position. The compressed gas is discharged and
released within the actuation bolt and through the barrel of the gun for
imparting a force on the projectile.
When the compressed gas exits the barrel of the gun, a recoil spring
returns the actuating bolt assembly to the ready-to-fire position. When
the trigger is released, fluid pressure moves the flow valve to the open
position. The latch arm rotates in a counterclockwise direction in
reaction to force applied by the flow valve to the cam to engage the
interlocking tab with the dog portion of the actuating bolt. Upon
completion of the firing sequence, the actuating bolt assembly is returned
to the cocked position and the firing chamber is recharged.
The pressure regulating assembly according to the invention insures that a
predetermined level of compressed gas is supplied to the firing chamber.
The pressure regulating assembly comprises a valve coupled with a
regulating piston. The regulating piston is slidably movable within a
longitudinal bore between first and second positions. The longitudinal
bore communicates with the source of compressed gas which urges the
regulating piston toward the rearward position. A biasing spring having
its tension manually controlled by a threaded adjustment cap counteracts
the force applied by compressed gas in the firing chamber to urge the
regulating piston toward the forward position. When the predetermined
pressure level of compressed gas is supplied to the firing chamber, the
regulating piston permits the valve to close to maintain an appropriate
level of pressure in the firing chamber. On the other hand, when the
pressure in the firing chamber falls below the predetermined level, the
biasing spring moves the regulating piston to urge the valve open for
recharging the firing chamber.
Despite the simple design of the firing mechanism and of the pressure
regulating assembly, it is entirely self actuating from the fire position
to the ready-to-fire position. The recoil spring urges the actuating bolt
and power piston assembly into the ready-to-fire position. Also, it is
easy to effect intentional release for beginning the firing sequence of
the gun. In addition, the compressed gas pressure received by the gun may
be easily controlled.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a complete understanding of the invention, reference should now be made
to the embodiments illustrated in greater detail in the accompanying
drawings and described below by way of example.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a compressed gas powered gun employing teachings
of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the compressed gas gun of FIG. 1 in a
ready-to-fire position.
FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the compressed gas gun in FIG. 2 with the
actuating bolt assembly in a released position, as during a firing
operation.
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the pressure regulator
assembly of the compressed gas gun of FIG. 2 shown in greater detail.
FIGS. 5a-c are side views of a trigger assembly in an alternative
embodiment showing a firing sequence initiated by both depression and
release of the trigger according to the invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the actuating bolt assembly shown in FIGS.
2 and 3 according to the present invention.
It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. In
certain instances, details of the actual structure which are not necessary
for the understanding of the present invention may have been omitted. It
should also be understood, of course, that the invention is not
necessarily limited to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Generally, the present invention relates to a compressed gas powered gun
that employs a simplified latching arrangement and firing mechanism for
propelling fragile projectiles in a semi-automatic fashion. By way of
example, the compressed gas powered gun of the present invention may be
used as a marking or paint ball for propelling gelatinous capsules the
kind used for medicinal purposes to "mark" a target.
The present invention can be incorporated into a compressed gas gun 10 such
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. As is common with conventional weaponry, the
gun 10 includes a frame support member 12 which supports a handle 11 and a
trigger guard 14. A pivotally mounted trigger 13 is disposed within the
trigger guard 14. As hereinafter more fully appears, a projectile 15 such
as a marking pellet exits an elongated barrel 16 in the direction of the
arrow 17 (FIG. 2) during a firing operation. An ammunition receptacle 19
houses a plurality of projectiles to supply the gun 10 as will be
understood to those skilled in the art.
In the illustrated embodiment, a cartridge or cannister 18 of the type well
known to those skilled in the art contains liquid carbon dioxide
(CO.sub.2) to supply compressed gas for discharging the projectile 15 from
the gun 10. The CO.sub.2 cartridge 18 typically contains twelve grams of
compressed gas and provides sufficient power for approximately 30
single-shot rounds of the gun 10. The CO.sub.2 cartridge 18 generates
approximately 850 pounds per square inch (psi) at room temperature and
about 450 psi at below 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Accordingly, a varying range
of pressure is supplied the gun 10 which adversely impacts the consistency
and accuracy of rounds fired in arrangements where no provision is made
for changing temperature or weather conditions.
The CO.sub.2 cartridge 18 screws into a known type of air tank adapter 20
threadably mounted to the frame support 12. The compressed gas contained
in the cartridge 18 passes from the air cartridge adapter 20 via an
enclosed inlet passageway 22 (FIG. 1) and is thereafter supplied to a
compressed gas delivery system which includes a pressure regulating
assembly 24 via the enclosed air passageway 22.
The pressure regulating assembly 24 is disposed in a generally cylindrical
terminal housing portion 50 and a generally cylindrical body portion 52 of
the gun 10. The terminal housing portion 50 is threadably mounted to the
body portion 52, which in turn, is mounted to the frame support member 12.
A longitudinal valve chamber 32 is formed in the body portion 52 and
communicates with the inlet passageway 22. In addition, the terminal
housing portion 50 includes a longitudinal bore 42 extending lengthwise of
housing portion 50. Preferably, an end section of the bore 42a is formed
of a smaller radial dimension than the remaining section of the bore 42.
The terminal section 50 provides a fluid passageway 54 which communicates
with a fluid passageway 56 formed in the body portion 52. The passageways
54 and 56 introduce compressed gas to an "on-off" flow valve chamber 58,
described in greater detail herein. Thereafter a fluid passageway 60
provides compressed gas to a firing chamber 62. In addition, an over-flow
passageway 57 is formed in the terminal housing portion 50.
As best seen in FIG. 4, the pressure regulating assembly 24 operates to
control the compressed gas pressure received from the CO.sub.2 cartridge
18 and thereafter supplied to the air firing chamber 62. The pressure
regulating assembly 24 includes a regulating piston 40 received within the
longitudinal bore 42 formed in the terminal housing portion 50. The
regulating assembly further includes a valve 26 having a head portion 28
and a stem 30. The head portion 28 is disposed in the valve chamber 32 and
is adapted to permit gas flow between the outer periphery of the head
portion 28 and the valve chamber 32. The stem 30 extends into the
longitudinal bore end section 42a. Further, the stem 30 is in contacting
relation with the regulating piston 40. An annular seat 36, preferably
fabricated of polyurethane, seals the valve chamber when the head portion
28 contacts the seat 36. The annular seat 36 prevents movement of the
valve in a rearward direction beyond the closed position. Compressed gas
provided by the inlet passageway 22 and a biasing spring 36 coact to
maintain closure tension on the valve 26.
As noted above, the valve chamber 32 communicates with the passageway 22
and is adapted to receive compressed gas from the inlet passageway 22. In
this arrangement, compressed gas supplied from the CO.sub.2 cartridge 18
within the longitudinal bore 42 tends to urge the regulating piston 40
rearward and increases the level of pressure supplied to the firing
chamber 62 so long as the valve 26 remains open. The pressure regulating
assembly 24 further includes means for counteracting the force exerted on
the piston 40 by the gas supplied to the firing chamber 62. A regulating
spring 46 biases the regulating piston 40 toward a forward position within
the longitudinal bore, which in turn, acts to move the valve head section
28 away from the valve seat 36. The regulating piston 40 remains in the
forward position to prevent the valve 26 from closing until a
predetermined level of pressure is supplied to the longitudinal bore 42
and to the firing chamber 62. When the predetermined level is supplied to
the bore 42 and to the firing chamber 62, the regulating piston 40 is
moved to a rearward position to permit the valve 26 to close and to seal
the valve chamber 32.
Adjustment for the regulating spring 46 is controlled by a threaded
adjusting cap 48. Manual adjustment of the threaded cap 48 controls the
amount of force exerted by the regulating spring 46. For example, when an
increased tension is applied to the regulating piston 40, a higher
pressure is required to urge the regulating piston 40 rearward to permit
the valve 26 to close. Accordingly, the firing chamber 62 is charged with
an increased gas pressure. The over-flow passageway operates to relieve
pressure from the pressure delivery system in the case of seal failure or
disassembly of the system under pressure.
However, when the air pressure in the firing chamber 62 falls below the
predetermined level such as after a firing sequence, the regulating piston
40 moves to the forward position to open the valve 26. Compressed gas
supplied to the firing chamber 62 thereafter acts against the regulating
spring tension to move the piston 40 rearward. In this manner, compressed
gas is again discharged until the pressure in the firing chamber 62
reaches the predetermined level sufficient to urge the regulating piston
40 rearward to permit the valve 26 to close. In the preferred embodiment,
the regulating assembly 24 operates to reduce the pressure passed to the
firing chamber 62 to approximately 450 psi. This insures precise operation
of the gun 10 irrespective of very cold ambient temperature.
Accordingly, the pressure regulating assembly 24 maintains that a reservoir
of gas at the predetermined pressure is supplied to the firing chamber 62
for successive firings. If the ambient temperature increases, thereby
increasing the gas pressure in the longitudinal bore 42, the spring 46 is
urged rearward to close the valve 26. As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, if the
ambient temperature increases to a point where the pressure in the
longitudinal bore 42 exceeds the predetermined pressure and compressed gas
supply pressure, the head 28 will move forwardly allowing gas in the
longitudinal bore 42 to reenter the compressed gas supply. Conversely,
when the ambient temperature decreases, thereby decreasing the pressure in
longitudinal bore 42, the gas reservoir pressure decreases, and spring 46
extends forward to open the valve 26. In this way, the pressure regulating
assembly corrects for incremental pressure variations due to ambient
temperature changes, slight leakages and the like and insures that the
compressed gas provided in the longitudinal bore 42 is maintained at a
predetermined pressure for each firing. Maintaining the gas pressure at
the predetermined pressure provides consistent operation of the gun.
As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the "on-off" flow valve 64 is restrained
from longitudinal movement by a pair of bushings 66 and 68. The bushings
66 and 68 include bearing surfaces 70 and 72 to facilitate transverse
movement of the on-off valve member 64 within the flow valve chamber 58.
In addition, pairs of ring seal members 67 and 69 prevent the escape of
compressed air in the on-off valve member 64. It will be appreciated that
when an "on-off" valve 64 is moved to the "on" position (FIG. 2 or 4), a
regulated supply of pressurized air is received within the air chamber 62.
When the on-off valve is moved to the closed position, as best seen in
FIG. 3, the air firing chamber 62 is effectively sealed from and isolated
from the pressure regulating assembly 24. This feature prevents operation
of the pressure regulating assembly 24 to pass compressed gas until the
on-off valve is opened.
FIG. 2 also shows the firing chamber 62 according to the invention. The
firing chamber is defined by a bore 53 formed in the body portion 52 of
the gun 10 and by an intermediate firing or power tube 53a. The
intermediate power tube 53a is adapted for placement within the bore 53
and is prevented from longitudinal movement within in the bore with a ring
55 adapted to fit within a notch formed in the body portion 52. An annular
power sleeve 94 interfits within the intermediate tube 53a to provide a
discharge path for compressed air resident in the air firing chamber 62,
as will become more fully apparent. An O-ring seal 63 prevents escape of
the compressed air between the intermediate power tube 53a and power
sleeve 94. Inasmuch as the pressure supplied to the firing chamber 62 has
been substantially reduced from the maximum available pressure generated
by the CO.sub.2 cartridge 18 at room temperature, the volume defined by
the firing chamber is substantially larger than found in known
arrangements.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 6 show an actuating bolt assembly 74 of the present
invention. The actuating bolt assembly 74 comprises a generally
cylindrical actuating bolt 76 placed in surrounding relation to a power
piston 84. The actuating bolt 76 includes a radially protruding dog
portion 78 disposed at one end of the actuating bolt 76. The actuating
bolt 76 is slidably mounted circumjacent to a portion of the intermediate
power tube 53a and the power sleeve 94. A recoil spring 80 retracts the
actuating bolt 76 against a bumper 82 in the ready-to-fire position.
As best seen in FIG. 6, the power piston 84 includes a head portion 86 and
a tail portion 88 disposed within the actuating bolt 76. Preferably, the
head portion 86 is sized and dimensioned for press-fit mounting and
soldered within the actuating bolt 76 for rigidly securing the head
portion 86 within the bolt 76. The power piston 84 has a triangular face
90 which defines cavities 92 within the head section for permitting
compressed gas to flow therethrough during a firing sequence. A resilient
bumper 90a may be used to absorb shock received by the projectile 15.
The tail portion 88 is sized for placement within an annular power sleeve
94. In the preferred embodiment, the distal end of the tail portion 88 is
slightly chamfered. When the piston is in the closed or ready-to-fire
position shown in FIG. 2, the O-ring seal 63 engages the outer surface of
the tail section 88 to prevent gas flow in the annual power sleeve 94.
FIG. 2 also shows a ball-feed chute 98 for loading projectiles within a
breech 99 of the gun 10. Each succeeding projectile 15 is loaded from the
chute 98 and into the breach 99 upon the force of gravity as will be
understood by those skilled in the art. Three equispaced rubber nubbins
100, however, prevent the projectile 15 from rolling or otherwise moving
longitudinally within the barrel 16 prior to firing, which may otherwise
result in a misfeed or double feed of successive projectiles.
FIG. 2 shows the firing mechanism for the gun 10 in a cocked or
ready-to-fire position. The illustrated firing mechanism comprises sear
101 having a pivotable latch arm 102, a transversely extending cam portion
104 at one end, located on side of a pivot 106, and a transversely
extending interlocking element 108 at the other end, on the other side of
the pivot. The cam portion 104 is generally aligned with the "on-off"
valve 64, as illustrated in FIG. 2. While the illustrated embodiment shows
a protruding cam section 104, the portion of the latch arm opposite the
pivot 106 and interlocking element 108 may itself be used with appropriate
modification to the size and dimension of the flow valve 64. The
interlocking element 108 includes a notched portion 109a that engages the
dog portion 78 of the actuating bolt 76 in the ready-to-fire position.
Further, the interlocking element 108 includes an elongated portion 109b
extending substantially along the path of travel of the actuating bolt
assembly 76. This feature provides a stop surface to prevent the actuating
bolt dog portion 78 from engagement with the notched portion 109a during a
discharge or recoil sequence of the actuating bolt assembly 76.
An actuating lever means 110 projects transversely on the side of the latch
arm 102 opposite the cam portion 104 and the bolt interlocking element
108. The sear 101 preferably is a single unitary component as can be seen
in FIG. 2, and as such can be appropriately formed of steel. A sliding
trigger arm 112 is disposed within the handle 12 and operates to transmit
force from the trigger 13 to the actuating finger 110.
FIG. 3 illustrates the sear 101 and the actuating bolt assembly 74 in a
released position. When the actuating bolt assembly is released from the
interlocking element 108, the compressed gas in the firing chamber 62
rapidly moves the tail portion 88 slightly beyond the distal end of the
power sleeve 94 to the position shown in FIG. 3. The forward movement of
the actuating bolt assembly 74 urges the projectile 15 slightly forward
beyond the nubbins 100 in the breech 99 to prevent any restriction of
movement to the projectile 15. In addition, the actuating bolt 76 moves
longitudinally sufficiently to seal the feed chute 98 to prevent a
possible double feed and to prevent discharge into the feed chute.
When the tail section 88 has exited the power sleeve 94, an air blast
exhausts from the firing chamber 62 in the direction of arrows 94a and
94b. The air blast passes through the cavities 86 defined in the piston
head section 90 (FIG. 6) and to the breach 99 to impart motion on the
projectile 15. The recoil spring 80 is substantially compressed to move
the actuating bolt assembly 76 rearward when the compressed air is
exhausted from the firing chamber 62.
FIG. 3 also shows the "on-off" flow valve 64 in the closed position.
Preferably, the sear 101 is adapted to rotate the cam section 104 to close
the valve 64 prior to release of the actuating bolt assembly 76. This
arrangement insures that no change in fluid pressure will be sensed by the
pressure regulating assembly 24 which otherwise may begin to recharge the
firing chamber before the actuating assembly 76 recoils.
In operation, pressure supplied to the pressure regulating assembly 24
opens the regulating valve piston 40 and permits compressed gas to travel
through the passageways 54 and 56, passing through the on-off flow valve
62 and into the air chamber 62. When pressure in the air chamber 62 and
passageways 54 and 56 rise to a predetermined level to overcome the
tension applied by the regulating spring 46, the regulating piston 40 is
moved rearward to close the valve 26 thereby providing the desired
pressure within the chamber 62.
Compressed gas collected in the firing chamber 62 applies a continuous
pressure to the power piston 84 and to the actuating bolt 76. The power
piston 84 and actuating bolt 78 move together but are restrained in a
retracted position by the dog portion 78 which is engaged by the
interlocking portion 108.
In the first step of a firing sequence, the sear 101 is actuated by the
sliding arm 112 which is moved longitudinally by the trigger 13. When the
trigger 13 is retracted, the arm 112 rotates the actuating lever element
110 in a clockwise movement which in turn rotates the pivotal latch arm
102. This movement forces the "on-off" valve 64 to close in response to
the camming action of the cam portion 104. When the on-off flow valve 64
is closed, the interlocking portion 108 releases the actuating bolt dog
portion 78 and the compressed gas in the firing chamber 62 moves the power
piston longitudinally rapidly forward to move the projectile 15 past the
rubber nubbins 100 in the position shown in FIG. 3. In this forward
position, the actuating bolt 76 closes the ball feed chute 98 to prevent
an accidental double feed and, perhaps more importantly, to seal the feed
chute 98 for directing the air blast toward the projectile 15.
Compressed gas in the firing chamber 62 continues to move the power piston
84 forward and a blast of compressed gas exits the power sleeve in the
direction shown by arrows 94a and 94b. The blast is released through the
power piston cavities 92 to permit the blast within the breech 99. The
blast engages the projectile 15 in this forward position. Upon receipt of
the blast, the marking projectile is propelled from the barrel.
Upon release of the compressed gas resident in the air chamber 62, the
recoil spring 80 drives the actuating bolt 76 rearwardly against the
bumper 82 where it is held in place by the recoil spring 80. When the
trigger 13 is released, the actuating bolt 76 is again restrained by the
latch arm interlocking portion 108 and held in position for subsequent
firing in the following manner. The gas pressure maintained in the
passageways 54, 56 and the on-off valve chamber 58 continues to exert a
downward force on the flow valve 64. Upon release of the trigger 13, the
force moves the cam section 104 to effect slight counterclockwise motion
of the latch arm both to latch the actuating bolt assembly 76 and to open
the on-off flow valve 64. This also reduces the pressure applied to the
regulating piston 40 which thereafter reopens the valve 26 to recharge the
firing chamber 62 for the next firing cycle. The next succeeding
projectile feeds downwardly to the position shown in FIG. 2 when
unobstructed by the recoiled actuating bolt 76.
FIGS. 5a-c illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention for
initiating successive firing sequences upon the depression and/or release
of the trigger. In particular, FIG. 5a shows a trigger 120 rotatably
mounted to the trigger guard 14 at a pivot 122. The trigger 120 includes a
trigger arm 124 extending from the pivot 122. FIG. 5a also shows a sear
101 having a recess 126 in the actuating lever 110. The details and
operation of the sear 101 are otherwise the same as described above.
A link arm 128 couples the trigger 120 with the sear 101. The link arm 128
is rotatably mounted at one end to the trigger arm 124 at a pivot 130, and
at the other end, is adapted to fit within the actuating lever recess 126.
A biasing spring 132 is also operatively connected with trigger arm 130
and the link arm 128 at the pivot 130.
FIG. 5a shows the trigger 120 in a cocked or read-to-fire position. In this
position, the interlocking element 108 engages the actuating bolt assembly
(not shown) of the gun. In FIG. 5b, the trigger arm 124 and the link arm
128 have articulated to a fully extended position. In this position, the
latch arm 102 has rotated in a clockwise direction in reaction to the
force imparted to the lever arm 110. As described above, this action
actuates the firing mechanism for propelling the projectile. The trigger
120 in this position has been depressed at a midpoint in the firing
stroke.
In FIG. 5c, the trigger has been fully depressed. In this position, the
latch arm 102 has rotated in a counterclockwise direction to recock the
gun. When the trigger is released, tension supplied by the biasing spring
132 at the pivot 132 articulates the trigger arm 124 and link arm 128 to a
fully extended position to rotate the latch arm 102 in a clockwise
direction for initiating a successive firing and reload sequence.
From the description thus far provided, a gas gun that overcomes the
aforestated problems with the prior art by providing a simple and
efficient firing and reload mechanism without the use of blow back or
other complex pressure schemes has been described. It will be apparent
that the proposed gun may be used in a number of applications and that a
number of modifications can be made in the invention disclosed,
particularly by those having the benefit of the foregoing teachings,
without departing from the spirit of these principles. However, these
features preferably are utilized together in the advantageous assembly
described herein. Accordingly, while the invention disclosed herein has
been described with reference to the presently contemplated best mode for
practicing the invention, it is intended that this invention be limited
only by the scope of the appended claims.
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